Prioritise
Impact and effort matrix
Also called Action priority matrix, Value and effort matrix
Place each option by how much difference it would make and how hard it would be, to find the quick wins and the big bets.
- Time20 to 40 minutes
- People3 to 12 people
- Steps4
What it's for
A 2×2 that turns a list of ideas into a rough plan. Placing an option forces two estimates the group can argue about usefully, and the quadrants suggest what to do: start the quick wins, plan the big bets, batch the small jobs, and drop the rest.
The estimates are relative. What matters is where options sit compared to each other, not the exact spot.
How to run it
Bring the options5 min
One option per note, from an earlier exercise or written now.
Place by impact8 min
Move each note up or down for impact first, comparing it to the others.
Place by effort10 min
Then left or right for effort. Discuss the ones people disagree on.
Agree next steps8 min
Pick what to start from the quick wins and big bets.
Tips
- Ask the people who would do the work to judge effort.
- If everything lands in quick wins, the estimates are too generous. Compare against something you've done before.
Where it comes from
A common prioritisation grid with no single inventor, related to the urgent and important matrix associated with Dwight Eisenhower and Stephen Covey.
Pairs well with
Dot voting
Everyone gets a few votes to place on the options they prefer, which shows where the group leans in a couple of minutes.
MoSCoW prioritisation
Sort requirements into must have, should have, could have and won't have this time, to agree scope against a fixed deadline.
Assumption map
Place every assumption behind a plan by how important it is and how much evidence you have, to find what to test first.